What’s happening?
The Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) has released the proposed design concept for Stage 3 of the New England Highway Bikeway at Highfields. The new stage will extend from Hi Winds Road, where Stage 2 ends, and follow the western side of the New England Highway to the Murphy’s Creek Road intersection, which now has upgraded traffic signals.
TMR is calling for community feedback on the design after investigating a range of feasible route options.
Why it matters
The bikeway is designed to provide safe, direct, and connected pathways that are accessible to people of all ages and abilities. By strengthening walking and cycling infrastructure, the project aims to support healthier and more sustainable travel options.
Local impact
Stage 2 of the bikeway, which opened in June 2025, runs between Toowoomba Christian College and Hi Winds Road. It allows people to walk and ride between Highfields and Blue Mountain Heights.
Features of Stage 2 include a series of offline landings that provide seating and safe stopping areas on steeper sections of the path. Smart lighting was also installed, directing light only onto the path to enhance safety between dusk and dawn while minimising disturbance to local residents.
Stage 3 will continue to build on this infrastructure, linking Highfields residents and travellers more safely along this busy stretch of highway.
By the numbers
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Stage 2 opened June 2025 – connecting Highfields and Blue Mountain Heights.
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End of October 2025 – deadline for community feedback on Stage 3.
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Offline landings – included in Stage 2, with seating and safe turning areas.
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Smart lighting – installed on Stage 2 for user safety between dusk and dawn.
Zoom in
Transport and Main Roads Regional Director (Southern Queensland) Bill Lansbury said that feedback from the public is central to the design process.
“Many Queenslanders including children, older people and people with a disability, rely on walking, bike riding and using mobility devices for transport to schools and essential services, as well as those who just want to enjoy being active as part of their everyday routines,” Mr Lansbury said.
“Community feedback gathered about this bikeway in previous stages has helped TMR determine how people will use the path and what design elements may be essential to promote safety for all users of this busy section of highway, including drivers. Involving the community is important to TMR and guides our decision-making because we are committed to building safe infrastructure that will give people more options, when travelling between places.”
Zoom out
Stage 3 is part of the wider New England Highway Bikeway project. Each stage has been shaped by community consultation to ensure the paths are practical, safe, and accessible for everyone.
What to look for next
Community feedback for Stage 3 of the Highfields Bikeway will remain open until the end of October 2025.